Satellite Mapping of Soil Enthalpy for the Introduction of Sorghum Crop in the Non-Chernozem Zone (Using the Novgorod Oblast as a Case Study)

Abstract

Climate change has led to the possibility to introduce heat-loving, high-yielding crops in the non-chernozem region of Russia. However, not all areas of this region have reached the required growing degree-days for these crops. The goal of this study is to use satellite thermal imagery to identify areas with increased soil enthalpy as a step towards introducing these crops in the region. It is known that the heat supply of soil depends on many factors. Therefore, it is important to identify the most suitable agricultural lands for introducing heat-loving plants in a cost-effective way. Since 2016 agroecological trials of heat-loving sorghum crops in this region. These data from long-term studies form the basis for compiling forecast maps of the potential yield of sorghum crops on agricultural land and identifying promising sites for cultivation. In creating these forecast maps, we have used long-term archives of digital data from thermal satellite imagery conducted in the Novgorod Oblast over the past 20 years. Patterns of spatio-temporal variability of heat supply of agricultural lands in the Novgorod Region were revealed. It was concluded that the developed technology can be applied to other heat-loving agricultural crops.